Definition

1. Noun:

   • A forceful collision or striking of one object against another: "impact" refers to the physical contact when one body hits another with force.
   • A significant or powerful effect or influence: "impact" also describes a strong consequence or impression left by an event, idea, or action.

2. Verb:

   • To have a strong effect on something or someone: The verb "impact" means to influence something significantly.
   • To press or wedge objects firmly together: This meaning describes the physical action of forcing things into a tight space.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The car crumpled on impact with the tree. (The car was destroyed when it forcefully hit the tree.)
  • Her speech made a profound impact on the audience. (Her speech had a very strong effect on the listeners.)

• Verb:

  • The new policy will impact all employees. (The new policy will significantly affect all employees.)
  • The geologist explained how the asteroid impacted the Earth. (The geologist explained how the asteroid forcefully struck the Earth.)

Advanced Usage

• "To have an impact on": to affect or influence something.
  • Social media has a huge impact on public opinion.
• "Impact crater": a hollow caused by the collision of a meteorite with a planet or moon.
  • Scientists study impact craters to learn about celestial bodies.
• "Full impact": the complete or total effect of something.
  • We didn't feel the full impact of the crisis until months later.

Variants and Related Words

• Impaction (n): The state of being tightly wedged or lodged; in dentistry, a tooth that is blocked from erupting.
  • The patient suffered from fecal impaction.
• Impactful (adj): Having a major impact or effect.
  • It was an impactful documentary that changed many minds.
• Impact force (n): The high force or shock applied over a short time during a collision.

Synonyms

• Noun (Collision): Collision, crash, smash, strike.
• Noun (Effect): Influence, effect, consequence, impression.
• Verb (Affect): Affect, influence, shape, alter.
• Verb (Collide): Hit, strike, crash, smash.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Impact on/upon: To have an effect on something. (Note: This is the standard prepositional use, not a separable phrasal verb).
  • The drought is impacting heavily on local farmers.

Related Idioms

• Make an impact: To create a strong and noticeable effect.
  • The young activist wanted to make an impact on environmental policy.
• Feel the impact: To experience the consequences or effects of something.
  • Small businesses are feeling the impact of the economic slowdown.

Noun

1. the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
   • the armies met in the shock of battle
2. influencing strongly
   • they resented the impingement of American values on European culture
3. a forceful consequence; a strong effect
   • the book had an important impact on my thinking
   • the book packs a wallop
4. the striking of one body against another

Verb

1. have an effect upon
   • Will the new rules affect me?
2. press or wedge together; pack together